Moran, who has appeared as a guest throughout its two seasons, will now take on a much larger role on the mega-rating show.

It is understood he will also be utilised in other network programs, like Good News Week and The 7pm Project.

The deal comes after Seven made a major play for the popular ARIA owner in the hope of snaffling him for one of the three chef spots on their local production of Iron Chef.

Moran’s new deal will now make him off limits to rival networks – a blow to Seven’s morning television programs which, aware of his appeal to female viewers, often feature him in regular cooking segments.

But perhaps more interesting is the rumour that Moran’s signing with Ten comes as his fellow MasterChef judges Matt Preston and Gary Mehigan are currently still in negotiations with the network over certain aspects of their contracts.

It’s understood the pair are holding out for more money – a stand-off which is not going down too well with Ten bosses who, according to one source, used the Moran signing as a clear message that “no one is indispensable”.

Interesting that George Calombaris has been the only judge to sign a contract. I am sure Gary Mehigan and Matt Preston will fall into line soon, as without Masterchef all their other deals will fall over.